Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has signed into law two significant bills recently passed by the State House of Assembly, reaffirming his administration’s drive toward institutional reform and sustainable development.
The newly enacted laws are the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Cross River State Office of the Surveyor-General Bill, 2025.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on Monday in Calabar, Governor Otu praised the State House of Assembly for what he described as a proactive and harmonious working relationship with the executive arm, calling their collaboration a benchmark for effective governance.
“It is because of the House of Assembly. The collaboration and co-working have been wonderful. Your proactiveness is second to none. I believe our relationship will continue to grow stronger by the day,” he stated.
The governor noted that both laws are pivotal to advancing education, land management, and governance in the state, aligning closely with his administration’s People First development agenda, which emphasizes institutional efficiency, inclusion, and improved living standards.
Otu underscored the central role of education and institutional strength in the state’s development strategy, expressing confidence that the new legislation would reposition critical sectors for enhanced performance and credibility.
“Without education, we could not be here. What we are doing is to put our state on a proper pedestal for progress. We are very focused, and we’ll continue to strengthen institutions that support growth and innovation,” he said.
Providing further insight, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly explained that the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to amend the existing law governing the college by upgrading it from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.
According to the Speaker, the amendment includes the addition of “Science and Technology” to the institution’s name and academic focus, significantly expanding its educational offerings and enabling it to qualify for TETFund, the Federal Government’s intervention fund for multi-disciplinary tertiary institutions.
“The amendment will allow the institution to benefit from infrastructural support through TETFund, while expanding its role in agricultural innovation, science, and technology-driven education,” he stated.
On the Cross River State Office of the Surveyor-General Bill, 2025, the Speaker noted that the legislation provides long-overdue legal recognition to the Office, which had previously functioned without statutory backing as part of the Ministry of Lands.
“This Bill establishes a solid legal foundation for the Office of the Surveyor-General, clearly defining its functions, powers, and administrative structure.
“It contains four parts and twenty-three sections that cover establishment, staffing, financial provisions, and general guidelines. When assented to, it will adequately empower the Office to function with autonomy, efficiency, and legal protection,” he added.
The passage and signing of the two bills mark another step in the state government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and expanding access to quality education and professional services.
